2005 BMW X3 2.5I manual transmission

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
35
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up. Malfunc-
tion in the engine electronics. You can
continue to drive with reduced engine
output or speed. Have the system checked
immediately.
Starting engine
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the vehicle.
A locking mechanism prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.
Do not end the starting procedure too early, but
do not prolong it for more than 20 seconds.
Release the ignition key immediately as soon as
the engine starts.
If the engine fails to start on the first attempt, for
instance, if it is very hot or cold:
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down while
engaging the starter.
During a cold start at very low temperatures,
below approx. +57/–156, at high altitudes
over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>Engage the starter for approx. 10 seconds
the first time.
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway down
while engaging the starter.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
not burned or inadequately burned and there is
a danger of overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Shift into neutral.
3.Press the clutch pedal.
If the clutch pedal is not pressed, the engine
cannot be started.
4.Start the engine.Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, place the gearshift lever in neu-
tral position and engage the handbrake.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle represents a
potential safety hazard.<
Automatic transmission
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Engage selector-lever position P or N.
3.Start the engine.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage the
handbrake before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running. Never leave an unattended
vehicle with the engine running, as such a vehi-
cle represents a potential safety hazard.<
Switching off engine
Do not remove the ignition key when the
vehicle is moving, as otherwise the steer-
ing could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key and lock the steering.
When parking on downward inclines, engage
the handbrake.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission
Engage selector-lever position P, turn ignition
key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up red. An
acoustic signal also sounds when you
begin to drive. The handbrake is
engaged.

Driving
36 Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically and the indica-
tor lamp in the instrument cluster lights up from
ignition key position 1.
Releasing
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the button
and lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it
too strongly. In doing so, continuously press the
button of the handbrake lever. Strong applica-
tion of the handbrake can lead to overbraking of
the rear axle and to associated 'fishtailing' of the
vehicle rear end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally engage the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop at a traffic light if the traffic conditions
are suitable.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, make
sure that you press the gearshift lever to
the right to prevent inadvertently shifting into
3rd or 4th.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes by
slipping or riding the clutch. Otherwise greater
clutch wear will result.<
Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. Press
the gearshift lever to the left to overcome the
resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will turn on
automatically when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to
page37.
Selector-lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Starting engine
The engine can only be started in selector lever
positions P: Park or N: Neutral.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
37
Possible displays
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
The selector lever position is indicated, and in
the manual mode the gear currently engaged.
Range selection
An interlock prevents inadvertent gearshifts
into selector-lever positions R and P. To cancel
the interlock, press the button on the front of
the selector-lever knob, refer to arrow.
Shiftlock
With the vehicle stationary, press the brake
pedal before shifting out of P or N; the shift
command will not be executed unless the brake
is applied.
To prevent the vehicle from 'creeping' after you
select a gear, maintain pressure on the brake
pedal until you are ready to start.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage the
handbrake before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running.<
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
transmission locks to prevent the rear wheels
from turning.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
For example, engage in automatic car washes.
The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic shift program
This position is designed for driving under all
normal operating conditions. All forward gears
are available.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration.
Press the accelerator pedal past the increased
resistance point at the full-throttle position.
M/S Manual mode and Sport Program
Move the selector lever from position D to the
left into shifting slot M/S:
The sport program is activated and SD appears
in the instrument cluster. This position is
recommended for a performance-oriented
driving style.
When the selector lever is moved briefly
towards + or –, manual operation is activated
and the Steptronic shifts gears. The instrument
cluster shows M1 through M5.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; as a result, for
example, a downshift that would cause the
engine to overrev will not be executed by the
system. The gear selected will appear briefly in
the instrument cluster followed by the current
gear.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
49
Activating system
Press the button; the indicator lamp comes on.
The indicator lamp flashes when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Deactivating system
Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes
out.
HDC is deactivated immediately above approx.
35 mph/60 km/h and after approx. 10 seconds
when the ignition is switched off.
Using HDC
In vehicles with manual transmission:
Use HDC in first gear and in reverse gear, as in
the higher gears the engine's braking action
diminishes.
On vehicles with automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in every drive position.
Malfunction
If the indicator lamp in the button goes out in the
HDC mode or fails to light up when the button is
pressed:
HDC is temporarily not available, as the brake
temperature is too high.
Malfunction in vehicle stability control
systems
The warning lamp lights up yellow.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control is defec-
tive. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.If one of the malfunctions described
below occurs, proceed cautiously and
defensively. When driving on poor roads, avoid
using the full throttle or kick-down positions of
the accelerator as well as heavy and panic brak-
ing. Otherwise the drive train may be damaged
or accidents can occur.<
The red brake warning lamp lights up
together with the warning lamps for
ABS and DSC/xDrive. In addition, a
warning signal sounds. ABS, DSC,
HDC and xDrive have failed. Drive may
then only be carried out via the rear
axle. If the brake warning lamp lights up
yellow in the described combination,
the EBV Electronic brake-force distribution is
still available. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up continu-
ously and a warning signal sounds:
DSC or the xDrive all-wheel system has
failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC or the all-
wheel drive system xDrive are no longer avail-
able. It is then possible to exert driving force
only via the rear axle. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the four mounted tires as you
drive. The system provides an alert whenever
the inflation pressure drops significantly in rela-
tion to the pressure in another tire.

Practical interior accessories
62
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control
replaces up to three different hand-held trans-
mitters for various items of radio-controlled
equipment such as door openers and house
alarm systems. The integrated universal remote
control recognizes and learns the transmitted
signal of each of the original hand-held trans-
mitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons1. Once this is done, each of the
devices can be actuated with the appropriately
programmed memory button 1. The indicator
lamp 2 confirms transmission of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day, be sure to
delete the stored programs beforehand for your
safety, refer to page63.
To prevent possible damage or injury,
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
ple, animals or objects are within the travel
range of the device. Also, comply with the
safety precautions of the original hand-held
transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If you see this symbol on the packaging
or in the manual supplied with the orig-
inal hand-held transmitter, it is safe to
assume that it is compatible with the integrated
universal remote control.
If you have additional questions, please
consult your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or call 1-800-355-3515.
You can also visit these websites:
www.bmwusa.com or
www.homelink.com. HomeLink is a registered trademark owned by
Johnson Controls, Inc.<
Programming
1Memory buttons
2Indicator lamp
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
2.For initial use:
Press both outer buttons 1 for approx.
20 seconds, maintaining pressure until the
indicator lamp2 starts to flash. The three
memory buttons1 are cleared.
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a
distance of approx. 2 in/5 cm to 8 in/20 cm
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the
hand-held transmitter and memory
buttons1 depends on the relevant system
of the original hand-held transmitter used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit button
on the original hand-held transmitter and
the desired memory button 1 of the inte-
grated universal remote control. Initially, the
indicator lamp2 flashes slowly. Release
both buttons as soon as the indicator
lamp2 flashes rapidly. If the indicator
lamp2 does not flash rapidly after approx.
15 seconds, change the distance.
5.To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.

Things to remember when driving
74 Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Wet roads
While driving in wet conditions and in heavy
rain, it is a good idea to apply light pressure to
the brake pedal every few miles. Watch traffic
conditions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The heat which
is generated by the brake applications helps to
dry the brake pads and rotors. The full braking
force will then be available when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and reduced effi-
ciency of the brake system, drive long or
steep downhill gradients in the gear in which
the least braking is required. Otherwise, even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can further enhance the engine's braking
effect by selecting a lower gear in the automatic
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches,
refer to page37. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
During slower downhill driving, use the HDC Hill
Descent Control, refer to page48.
Never drive with the clutch engaged, the
transmission in Neutral or with the engine
switched off, as otherwise there is no engine
braking when the transmission is in neutral, and
no power-assist for brakes and steering with
the engine switched off.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or other objects
to protrude into the area around the brake or
accelerator pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimal
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden air loss.<
Determining load limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX Ibs. or YYY kg, as otherwise the vehicle
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
105
5.Connect the second terminal clamp of the
negative/– jumper cable to the negative ter-
minal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting engine
1.Start the assisting vehicle's engine and let it
run at an increased idling speed for a few
minutes.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged at a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Use tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page95, and must
always remain in the vehicle. It can be screwed
in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle, observe the following: only use
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and
screw it in as far as it will go. Only use the tow
fitting to tow on roads. Avoid lateral loading of
the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Press out the cover in the front or rear bumper
at the notch at the bottom with a screwdriver.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
stopped. It is then necessary to exert increased
effort for braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h and a towing distance of
95 miles/150 km, as otherwise the drive train
may be damaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gear lever in neutral.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in N.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes on public roads is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise
it will not be possible to control vehicle
response.<

Technical data
112
Weights
Capacities
X3 2.5iX3 3.0i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg4,001/1,815
4,045/1,8354,023/1,825
4,067/1,845
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg4,993/2,265
5,049/2,2905,049/2,290
5,104/2,315
Payload
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg992/450
1,003/4551,025/465
1,036/470
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,425/1,100 2,425/1,100
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,756/1,250 2,778/1,260
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 71/2,011 71/2,011
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 17.7/67
approx. 2/8Fuel specification:
page81
Windshield washer/
headlamp washer systemquarts/liters approx. 3.2/3.0
approx. 6.9/6.5For details: page90
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters approx. 6.6/6.2 For details: page90